AL AIN- UAE Rugby Federation was recently recognised as a top 5 leader in the IRB’s Get Into Rugby programme (GIR) within ARFU’s regions.
Out of the 21 ARFU regions registered to deliver GIR, the UAE Rugby Federation sits in 5th place; where 2,419 boys and 1,584 girls participate in the programme’s first phase, TRY.
TRY focuses on introducing non-contact Tag rugby to children who are new to the game, and who (most likely) have never picked up a rugby ball.
‘We are thrilled with being recognised within the top 5 deliverers of ARFU’s GIR programme’ said Sami Smara UAE Rugby Development Officer – Al Ain. ‘Interest in the game has been steadily growing, in Al Ain, since implementing the programme at the start of the 2012/2013 season’. Ben van Rooyen, UAE Rugby Development Manager – Dubai, Sharjah & Northern Emirates added ‘It is very rewarding to see the efforts of our team, which includes the school administrators and the students, be acknowledged. We are very excited to see the game grow and be so well received through this programme.’
TRY is followed by PLAY then STAY phases, which are aimed at introducing players to contact (tackle) rugby then encouraging children to continue their passion and participation of the game.
‘The UAERF is extremely proud to be amongst the top Asian nations in the Get Into Rugby programme. We (the Federation) applaud Sami Smara and Ben van Rooyen for their commitment and dedication to this programme and the future rugby-playing generation‘ added Qais Al Dhalai, Secretary General UAE Rugby Federation.